The E18 error happens on Canon cameras usually when the lens is jammed when extending. The error is so (in)famous that it has it own website where you can find help and advice on how to fix it. You can view the site by clicking the link underlined in blue below:

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The E18 error is an error message on Canon digital cameras. The E18 error occurs when anything prevents the zoom lens from properly extending or retracting.[1] The error has become notorious in the Canon user community as it can completely disable the camera, requiring expensive repairs.

Hi,"E18"indicates an error that involves the lens unit or lens cover in your camera .This error appears where the lens is prevented from properly extending or retracting .The error may also be displayed if the lens camera has been subjected to an external shock, or if a foreign substance (i.e. liquid, sand, dirt) enters the camera.Hold the camera so that your fingers do not touch the lens unit when you are shooting. Make sure the camera is off before the camera is placed back in the case. Exercise caution to ensure that the camera does not accidentally power on while the camera is stored inside the case.If you cannot clear the error code by turning the camera off and then on again, or if the error code is displayed frequently, a camera malfunction may have occurred and might require service from canon.Or else try pressing the power button on and held it down while extending the zoom lens. The lens will extend out and the camera will be freed from the error.Thank you !!

Lens errors are fairly common. Usually it's sand or grit interfering with the lens extension mechanism. Or the camera's been dropped with the lens extended. Or the camera has been powered on, but the lens had been blocked preventing its extension. Or the battery ran down with the lens extended ...

The "E18" error code indicates an error that involves the lens unit or lens cover.
This error may appear where the lens is prevented from properly extending or retracting such as, for example, when pressure is applied to the lens or the area surrounding the lens while handling the camera. The error may also be displayed if the lens unit/camera has been subjected to an external shock, or if a foreign substance (i.e. liquid, sand, dirt) enters the camera.
Solution
Check the following when you operate the camera to avoid applying pressure to the lens and surrounding area:
- Hold the camera so that your fingers do not touch the lens unit when you are shooting.
- Make sure the camera is off before you put it back in the case. Exercise caution to ensure that the camera does not accidentally power on while the camera is stored inside the case.

The "E18" error code indicates an error that involves the lens unit or lens cover.
This error may appear where the lens is prevented from properly extending or retracting such as, for example, when pressure is applied to the lens or the area surrounding the lens while handling the camera. The error may also be displayed if the lens unit/camera has been subjected to an external shock, or if a foreign substance (i.e. liquid, sand, dirt) enters the camera.
Solution
Check the following when you operate the camera to avoid applying pressure to the lens and surrounding area:
- Hold the camera so that your fingers do not touch the lens unit when you are shooting.
- Make sure the camera is off before you put it back in the case. Exercise caution to ensure that the camera does not accidentally power on while the camera is stored inside the case.

The "E18" error code indicates an error that involves the lens unit or lens cover.
This error may appear where the lens is prevented from properly extending or retracting such as, for example, when pressure is applied to the lens or the area surrounding the lens while handling the camera. The error may also be displayed if the lens unit/camera has been subjected to an external shock, or if a foreign substance (i.e. liquid, sand, dirt) enters the camera.
Solution
Check the following when you operate the camera to avoid applying pressure to the lens and surrounding area:
- Hold the camera so that your fingers do not touch the lens unit when you are shooting.
- Make sure the camera is off before you put it back in the case. Exercise caution to ensure that the camera does not accidentally power on while the camera is stored inside the case.